At first glance many drills can appear rather simple, yet upon closer inspection these practices provide complex insights to training various concepts and techniques... but only if utilized correctly.
Ubüngen are our drills/exercises designed to develop skills and techniques as well as amplify an understanding of the concept(s) behind them. Ubüngen differentiate themselves from Gängen (lit. a chasing) as they require the involvement of two participants.
For each staging of the drill, each participant takes on one of two roles: Leitermensch, the Guide, and the Scholar, the Student. The Leitermensch offers the context for the drill, as well as controlling the distance and timing (Mensur und Zeit) of the events. The Scholar follows the Leitermensch's timings while engaging in the appropriate actions of the lesson.
The individual who takes on the role of Leitermensch also undertakes the responsibility for the education of the person in the Scholar role.
There are many instances the Leitermensch is called upon to "lose" the exchange. It is important that this "loss" occurs, as a lesson is being transmitted about the technique or concept being explored.
For initial iterations of this drill the Leitermensch should use a large, schwingungen version of the “cuts/slashes” and include "tells" in their thrusts in order to signal the incoming attack to the Scholar. As the students advance in experience, the attacks should become smaller and more complete.
Remember: It is only through mindful practice that we can produce improvement! It begins with the most basic form: proper footwork, posture, grounding, handstellung, etc., are critical. It is the combining of these "lower-level" fundamentals with the more complex action at hand that allow for the proper training of a technique.
With this in mind Do not rush these drills. It's easy to fall into a pattern or speed through an assignment, particularly when you're familiar with a drill. If you find this is happening, signal to your partner that you need to take a moment to reset and communicate what adjustments you would like to make.
Ensure that your actions, be they the attacks or responses, embody the proper intent of the drill. Focus on practicing the concept and technique at hand, expelling any attempt at "winning" the exchange. Any attacks should follow-through, meaning they should travel with intent and consistency (note that this does not mean "fast" or "hard") that properly illicit the desired response from your training partner.
Although the Ubüngen require two participants to fully function, you can practice both the Leitermensch and Scholar rolls as Gängen, on your own in a sort of "shadow boxing" way. When you practice in this manner, remember to follow through with any action, not stopping at where you think the opponent would be.
Finally, if you're having trouble making a particular drill work "correctly" you should review your distance, time, and the core mechanics of the technique to evaluate if any particular piece needs modification. You are also encouraged to ask for assistance from the instructor(s).
Resources to learn more about Mindful Practice: